With the forecast of rain we managed to get up a little earlier than normal and were just about to let go when a boat came up to the swing bridge. It is a very busy road So I hurried so that I could get through on the same swing. When Helen got there they said that they had to shut the bridge to retrieve their key that operates the bridge. Indeed you do, but I was a little puzzled as to why that would stop me passing through! Still no time to argue as there was a large queue of traffic so we let them close it and then waited until the traffic had cleared and then passed through.
Helen closing Sheffield swing bridge.
We had the best part of an hour of no rain or at worst a soft piter patter until it then set in for the rest of the day. Out came the cape and it was head down and crack on.
The scalloped lock at Sheffield with a glimpse of another little cottage.
The next lock was Garston and was a turf sided lock. It must have been very important spot as there are two pill boxes watching over it. As you can see the rain had started by then.
The M4 passes overhead in a very rural spot. The traffic spot didn't look too bad but this is supposed to be the busiest day in the airports and roads for people going on their holidays. Once we were moored up it sounded horrendous on the roads, especially down south as the rain added to the chaos as well as the sheer volume.
The river looked like a 'real' river after the motorway with many bends.
As we passed the Cunning Man moorings we passed a posse of bloggers, 'Tentarice', 'Cleddau', and 'Waiouru' so we are now ahead of the pack again. Not that it is a race or anything! By Southcote Lock we had been caught up by a small boat that had left Burghfield. There were five aboard so we thought the next few locks would be easy. Only one of them seemed to have any idea but they were able to close up after us. They were just on a jolly with there son but could have picked a much better day for it. Last night a boat arrived at the Theale moorings late on. We moved up so they could fit on the end and it seems that they owned the mill at Southcote Lock. Very nice too. They were heading for the festival at Newbury. There were soon signs of civilisation as we approached Reading.
County Lock is the last one before the City and the last of the C&RT locks on the Kennet and Avon. It is only a fall of a little over a foot and then we were on our way. We had to press the button for the traffic lights before heading through the Oracle Centre as it is narrow and bendy so is one way working only.
Helen';s eyes were gleaming as we passed all the shops and restaurants so I feel a couple of days stop may be called for.
The Land time forgot, but really only a crazy golf course right next to the canal.
After the new area of the Oracle Centre we came through High Bridge which back into the old town. We soon were looking for the turn off the main river for the loop that leads round to the Prison. Lo and behold there was a nice spot just for us and we were soon moored up and in the shelter. We are just ahead of another blogger 'Perfect Harmony' so there is a real concentration of bloggers in the area.
The rain eased off about 1600 so I did the decent thing and went out side to to try and get a signal for the TV. Helen managed to see the 'Master Chef' last night and as tonight is the final final I am in very good books as there is a good picture for her. As a reward she has been planning routes to pubs and attractions (but mainly shops). I hope all have stayed dry and are looking forward better weather tomorrow.
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